Restaurant owners have hesitated to upgrade from cash registers to point of sale platforms because many worried that technology would get in the way of hospitality. But 73% of restaurant-goers agree that technology improves the restaurant experience.

So how has the restaurant point of sale system evolved, and what’s next for this central piece of technology?

It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is rapidly changing and technology has played a major role. As online ordering evolved to become easier for consumers, its popularity has skyrocketed. Just as consumers demand the convenience of anytime, anywhere, from retailers, they have grown to expect the same from their favorite restaurants. Dining in may not be for everyone, with the fast pace of consumers’ busy lives, the ability to order ahead and arrange for delivery or pickup when it’s convenient is something they value. 

According to the National Restaurant Association, 83-percent of Americans look up dining locations, directions and hours of operation on their smartphones or tablets. Just over half order takeout or delivery right from the restaurant’s own website. Isn’t it time you got in on the action? Here are five reasons we think you should.

The first thing to know about buying a POS system is that you’re purchasing a lot more than just the hardware and software you need to take credit card payments at your business. You’re also, in many cases, agreeing to a merchant services contract with that vendor. And like any legally binding agreement, you’ll want to make sure you understand what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. A great POS dealer is not just another vendor but a valuable partner and business enabler that will go above and beyond in delivering benefits that can help your retail business thrive.  These pointers reveal how value added resellers (VARs) make a difference.